Independent Reading Level: 3rd-4th Grade

This book in the Magic Treehouse series is about Jackie Robinson who is a major league baseball player that made history being the first African American baseball player. It shows kids, Jack and Anne, how to believe in themselves despite the hurdles in their path like Robinson faced back in 1947. A Big Day for Baseball would be great for an early elementary history or English class as a fun way to have them learn about history. ( )

Jack and Annie are not the best baseball players out there but Morgan makes sure they learn how to be the best. Morgan gives them special hats to wear but they only work if they go to a specific baseball game. Going into the game they thought they were going to be players but they were actually just bat boys/girls. They are wondering why this game is so special for them to watch for them to be able to become good baseball players. ( )

I like this book Magic Tree House because it's a better way for kids to learn about major events in history. This book will help kids gain more knowledge about Jackie Robinson. If you love mystery books, this book is one of them. I love how the mystery is solved towards the end of the book. It was interesting when Jack and Annie travel back in time on a nice adventure to Ebbets Field, to see all the different players and Jackie Robinson. I love how Otis and Olive helped Jack and Annie get to Ebbets Field more quickly by taking a shortcut through the lot. Overall, this book is filled with discoveries and more. I enjoyed it, the tone of this book, in my opinion, is exciting. The style of this book is uplifting. I know the kids would enjoy this book because it's mysterious, historical, and interesting. ( )

I enjoy watching the kids "fail" - it's more realistic that way. Of course, their failures always turn out to be exactly what's needed, but oh, well.
I was hoping it would turn out Otis was the person who would get the ball and he'd turn out to be a famous baseball player who was later inspired by Jack and Annie. I was disappointed in this respect, but it was still a good book that dealt with bravery and racism without getting preachy. ( )